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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Callie respond to Jerome's sexual advances?

2. What sort of business does Bob Presto own and run?

3. Why is the Obscure Object transferred to Mr. da Silva's class?

4. Why does Milton decide to remove the briefcase of money for the kidnapper from the garbage can?

5. Which of Callie's physical changes most annoys Tessie?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tessie react to the fight that Milton has with the men during Sunday dinner?

2. Why does Father Mike pretend to be Callie's kidnapper?

3. How does Milton react to his impending death after running his car off of the bridge?

4. Describe the dynamics of Zoe's and Father Mike's relationship.

5. What information does Callie get about her condition when she meets with Dr. Luce?

6. What steps does Callie take in this chapter to physically transform herself into Cal?

7. What do all of the women working at Sixty-Niners have in common?

8. What is the connection between the mulberry tree outside of Middlesex and the silk industry?

9. Describe Zora Khyber.

10. Describe the series of medical examinations that leads to Callie being referred to Dr. Luce.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

By presenting a main character who is both male and female, Jeffrey Eugenides encourages readers to question generally held beliefs about gender identity. What is the author trying to say about gender? Is it based on biology, culture or both? Do you agree or disagree with his viewpoint? Why? Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout Middlesex, Jeffrey Eugenides weaves actual events from history (Turkish and American) into his fictional story. Select one of the situations where he places his characters within a real historical context and:

1) Describe the historical context of the scene or chapter (i.e. What actually happened in history that Eugenides uses in the book?).

2) Discuss the relationship between the historical context and the fictional story of the Stephanides family. What does this piece of history have to do with the family's life? Why does Eugenides choose to place these characters at this particular point in the story in this particular historical context?

Essay Topic 3

There are several characters who influence the person that the narrator becomes. Select the two characters who you believe have the greatest impact on her development and:

1) describe each character's actions or beliefs as they relate to Cal/Calliope.

2) discuss the impact of this character on Cal/Calliope's life and personality.

3) discuss why you selected each particular character. What about each character made him/her more of an influence on Cal/Calliope than others?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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